Cunignig, Angelo

Integrative Reflection Paper in Ethics

I learned in our first module that ethics is more than simply following the
rules; it's also about understanding the principles that inform our ethical
decisions. Any critical evaluation of what is right and wrong must start with this
basis. Gaining knowledge of different principles of ethics provides a means for
studying diverse circumstances with greater logical and reflective thinking. It
made it clear to me that making moral decisions is a difficult process that calls for
weighing the benefits as well as the cons of various options. After learning more
about the complexity of ethical thinking, I concluded that moral problems
frequently lack a simple solution. My appreciation for the value of ethical study in
both personal and professional contexts has grown as a result of this
understanding.

The program emphasized the complex nature of moral dilemmas and the
necessity of ethical theories to make sense of these challenging choices. It
brought to light the need to weigh principles and consequences because there
are frequently no simple answers in situations in life. The lesson also
emphasized the value of empathy and compassion in handling ethical dilemmas,
as being aware of others' thoughts and feelings can help one make more morally
responsible decisions. It also emphasized the significance of cultural norms and
individual values in forming ethical decisions, stressing the necessity of reflection
and critical thought in resolving moral dilemmas.

The significance of comprehending how culture affects moral beliefs and

behaviors was underlined in this subject. It emphasized how moral standards are
shaped by social systems, historical events, and the economy. It promoted
respect for cultural variety and a less critical attitude toward various moral
perspectives. Understanding how cultural norms affect moral judgments can help
create a society that is more accepting of different viewpoints. The lesson also
emphasized how important it is to respect other cultural traditions and beliefs as
well as the complexity of human behavior.

My eyes have been opened to the idea that our moral judgments are often
influenced by the social situations in which we find ourselves thanks to my
exploration of cultural relativism. This point of view encourages empathy and
compassion, but it also makes it challenging to develop moral standards that
apply to all people. This lesson has taught me the value of maintaining respect
for and appreciation for the variety among other nations while analyzing cultural
traditions. It has helped me learn how to combine relativism with the need for
general ethical standards.

The evolution of moral virtues and ethical behavior has been clarified by
research on moral character and development. The theories put out by Carol
Gilligan and Lawrence Kohlberg have helped us better comprehend the different
stages of moral development that people go through. External influences like
education and cultural standards have an impact on our moral character rather
than it being fixed. This emphasizes how crucial it is to have a caring and
encouraging atmosphere that promotes moral development. We may work to
encourage moral behavior and virtue in people of all ages by acknowledging the
influence of society and educational systems on moral character.

This lesson focused on intention, situations, and the act itself to highlight
the significance of comprehending human actions and their ethical effects. It
gave rise to a deeper awareness of the process of evaluating the morality of
actions, going beyond results and taking the larger ethical system into account.
Knowing the purpose of an action might help expose people's real intentions and
moral principles. An action's surrounding circumstances can reveal information
about outside forces affecting judgment. Examining the act itself allows one to
assess its moral value regardless of the outcome. This all-encompassing method
of making ethical decisions takes into account the complexity of human nature.

Moral courage is the ability to act morally, regardless of the

consequences, rather than just following one's instincts or what is comfortable or
simple. The discussion emphasized how important it is to make ethical decisions
with a strong feeling of belief. It made me realize how important moral courage is
to changing the world and maintaining one's moral principles in the face of
adversity. Even in the midst of hardship, people are able to defend their morals
and stand up for justice because of this inner power.

The discussion that followed explored the complex relationship between

moral judgments and emotions, exposing the ways in which our emotions
influence and often even unclear process by which we make moral decisions. I
learned how important it is to preserve a healthy balance between our rational
ethical reasoning and our emotional responses as a result of this investigation. It
became clear that making compassionate and well-rounded moral decisions
requires a balanced approach that considers both human emotions and reason.

Fair and ethical decision-making relies heavily on fairness and logic. I

learned the value of unbiased thinking and avoiding biases from this module.
Pursuing fairness guarantees fair and just solutions, creating fairness in the
resolution of moral dilemmas. It is essential to address ethical dilemmas with
objectivity and clarity, taking into account various points of view and without
allowing prejudice to influence one's decision. We can make sure that the
decisions we make are not only ethically right but also respect the values of
justice and equality by making an effort to be fair and objective throughout the
process. Also, by being objective, we can stop our beliefs and feelings from
affecting the decisions we make about ethics, which will ultimately result in more
morally righteous and fair decisions.
 The virtue ethics of Aristotle places a strong emphasis on developing
virtues as a means of achieving eudaimonia, or a state of thriving and well-being.
This lesson helped me realize that leading an ethical life involves cultivating
qualities like bravery, honesty, and compassion rather than strictly sticking to the
law. I realized that having an entire personality is crucial to making moral choices
and living a life that is genuinely meaningful. One may overcome ethical
dilemmas with elegance and integrity by working to strike a balance between
many qualities, which will ultimately lead to satisfaction and personal progress.

Renowned philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas advanced Aristotle's virtue

ethics by combining it with Christian doctrine, especially by introducing natural
law and the pursuit of pleasure. This particular module highlighted the
importance of both reason and faith in the process of making ethical decisions by
showing the moral structure that is present in the natural world. It provided a
thorough framework for understanding how moral principles connect with the
natural order by clarifying the relationship between moral standards and natural
laws. Aquinas' combination of Christian theology and classical philosophy offered
a significant understanding of the relationship between reason, faith, and moral
concerns.

The relevance of Kantian ethics—which emphasizes responsibility and the

categorical requirement, which calls for behaviors that must be universally
applicable—was highlighted in this lesson. It emphasized the need for human
dignity and individual rights as well as the necessity of acting out of obligation
rather than selfishness. I gained a comprehension of Kant's viewpoint and
became aware of the significance of taking acts' broader implications into
account as well as the requirement for generally applicable ethical rules when
making decisions. Their appreciation of the complex of making moral decisions in
a variety of circumstances has grown as a result of this learning.
 A moral theory known as utilitarianism assesses deeds according to how
they affect a person's happiness and well-being. It places an extreme value on
promoting happiness and removing suffering to benefit the greatest number of
people. This module has helped me have a better understanding of the
difficulties involved in quantifying happiness as well as utilitarian concepts. But it
also presents problems, including putting happiness over justice and individual
rights. Key to this approach is striking a balance between the general well-being
and the respect for people's independence and dignity.

This module explored ideas of justice, such as the fairness theory put out
by John Rawls. I gained knowledge on the significance of creating a just society
with equally distributed opportunities and resources. Recognizing justice as
fairness brought to light the necessity of organizations that guarantee everyone
has an equal opportunity for success. Aiming for an even and just society is
essential in the world we live in today when inequality is everywhere. We may try
to create a community where everyone is given a fair opportunity to realize their
full potential by putting into practice laws that protect equality and fairness. The
importance of resolving social inequalities and advancing the creation of a
fairer society for all people, regardless of their circumstances or background, has
been emphasized throughout this subject.

The fair sharing of fees and smart use of income are the main topics of
this module's study of the ethics of taxes. In order to have a fair tax system, it
highlights the need for achieving a balance between individual payments and
group benefits. Gaining an understanding of taxes encourages social justice,
economic stability, and citizen cooperation. It also highlights citizens' moral duty
to make a fair contribution to public services and infrastructure. A more
successful and democratic society can be constructed on the ethical precepts
that support taxation.
 Religion frequently offers a moral code that directs moral behavior and
acts as a compass to help people distinguish between good and wrong. This
lesson explored the complex relationship between morality and religious beliefs,
showing the important influence of religious teachings on moral judgments. I
gained an appreciation for the variety of religious moral opinions that exist, each
providing a special perspective on morality, as a result of my study. It became
evident that faith has a strong effect on our ability to reason morally, giving
believers a set of principles and values to fall back on in difficult moral decisions.

Both opportunities and challenges are presented by globalization,

especially for young people. It promotes understanding and cultural exchange,
which makes society more inclusive. But it also highlights the differences in
wealth between wealthy and developing nations, which calls into question justice
and equality. Additionally, the sustainability of the globe is threatened by the
environmental effects of globalization, such as pollution and loss of resources.
This session focused on how important it is to take ethics into account when
dealing with these complicated global concerns. Evaluating globalization's
advantages and disadvantages critically is essential to guaranteeing success for
people and communities everywhere.

During this course, I gained a thorough understanding of ethics and how

to apply it in real-world situations. Every subject included insightful information on
different aspects of ethical thinking, ranging from the theoretical basis of real-
world problems. I discovered how crucial it is to combine many ethical viewpoints
in order to address difficult moral dilemmas while striking a balance between
reason, feeling, and cultural awareness. Using a combined strategy has given
me the tools I need to handle moral dilemmas with more sensitivity and
understanding, enabling me to make more morally and intelligent decisions in my
personal as well as work life.
 This course gave students a thorough understanding of ethics with a focus
on how it is connected to other concepts and may be applied practically in
everyday situations. It emphasized how critical thinking, empathy, and striking a
balance between the interests of the individual and the group are crucial for just
practice. Integrity and responsibility are valued in ethical leadership, and the idea
of ethical diversity promotes respect for other moral systems. Ensuring
sustainable futures and addressing global crises require long-term ethical
considerations. These realizations have given the person the confidence and
accountability to successfully negotiate challenging moral situations, enabling
them to make moral choices in both their personal and professional lives.